Talk:All Praise Goes to the Lord

By Vishal Agarwal

A true Bhakta who is completely permeated by the love for Bhagavān believes that all poetry or literary compositions, activities, words, writings, art etc. must be directed towards praising the Lord. Everything else which does not praise the Lord is worthless-

Compositions, even though they be couched in beautiful words, are like ponds provided for crows to bathe, if they do not exalt the glory of God who purifies all the worlds. As the swan accustomed to living in the Manasa lake does not like to swim in such ponds (used by crows), great sages, who are ever engrossed in the bliss of Brahman, do not feel any joy in such writings (that have no devotional import). Though containing mistakes, if every sentence in a composition reflects the glory and greatness of God, such a composition can revolutionize the sinful life of man. Holy men use such compositions for their own study and for reciting or expounding to others. Bhāgavata Purāṇa 1.5.10-11

In this regard, the following story is narrated as an illustration-

Story: Queen Ahalyābāī Holkar’s advice to a Renowned Artist

Ahalyabai Holkar, the Pious and Humble Queen of Indore in central India, ruled the kingdom for almost 30 years (1767 – 1795) with great skill and justice. She invited rich merchants from all over India to settle in her kingdom so that it became very prosperous. She also appointed poor Hindu Bhil tribals to guard the highways so that traders and travelers do not get robbed. Peace prevailed during her benign rule. Trade flourished and merchants and farmer in her kingdom became very rich. And yet, Ahalyabai lived a very simple and humble life as long as she lived. She did not live in her palace in the city of Indore. Instead, she moved to a location on Maheshwar, a pilgrimage center on the Narmada river, and carried out her administration from there. One day, a poet presented her with a book that had several poems in her praise. She just threw the book into the Narmada river. On another occasion, a famous painter approached her with a request to paint her picture. But she declined, saying that she would prefer that he made paintings depicting the Hindu Deities. Although she was the queen, she never wore any jewels or colorful expensive clothing. Instead, she always attired herself in the simple white clothes of a Hindu widow, and was frequently seen carrying a small Shivalinga, to which she offered worship with a lot of Bhakti. A true Bhakta does everything for the sake of revering Bhagavān and spread His glory. The following story is narrated with regard to the life of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Story: Chaitanya Mahāprabhu’s Scholarship to Please Krishna

One day, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his scholar friend Raghunātha Shiromaṇi were travelling by boat. Raghunātha mentioned that he had written a book on the science of logic. He said, “After mastering my book, the reader will become a great logician. He can win debates and get great fame in the world.” Chaitanya Mahaprabhu replied, “Ah, I too have written a book on the same topic. Let me show it to you.” When Raghunātha, considered the greatest master of logic of his time, browsed through the pages of Mahaprabhu’s book, his face turned pale. He said, “Your book is much superior to mine. Alas, my effort was in vain. My friend am only interested in praising Bhagavān and bowing to Him. Logic does not please me, and I have no desire for personal fame and glory. I wrote the book just as a hobby.”